Jeurys Familia likely out for a while with arterial clot in throwing shoulder

May 12, 2017

New York Mets — Mets closer Jeurys Familia has an arterial clot in his throwing shoulder and will likely be out for a while, if not the rest of the season. According to the team, Familia will see Dr. Robert Thompson, who performed season-ending surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome on Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey last season, on Friday for further tests and possibly surgery. Addison Reed will fill in while Familia is out, though don’t be surprised if the Mets go shopping.

Updated hierarchy: Reed | Robles | Blevins.

Milwaukee Brewers – Closer Neftali Feliz had a forgettable series against the Red Sox, allowing four runs (3 ER) in 1.1 IP Wednesday and Thursday. Most of the damage was done on one swing – a three-run shot by Mookie Betts to turn a 1-1 game into 4-1. The outing sent Feliz’s ERA to 6.19, though for now, he’s still the team’s closer, as he has converted eight of nine save opportunities. Still, fantasy owners are starting to notice how poor Feliz has pitched and are picking up Corey Knebel, who owns a 1.00 ERA with 29 Ks in just 18 IP. Knebel is likely the next guy up for the Brewers, who may go in that direction sooner rather than later.

Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.

Washington Nationals — The Nationals’ bullpen is about to get a much-needed boost. Koda Glover has said since earlier this week that he’s ready go, and manager Dusty Baker said there’s a real possibility he is activated Friday. Washington tends to take its time with healing relief pitchers — they did so with Glover — but if they feel they need more help, Shawn Kelley is eligible to return from the DL Friday, too.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Romero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Will Harris — Ken Giles has gone in two straight and he nearly blew the save Thursday (19 pitches). Chris Devenski tossed 37 pitches over two innings yesterday, so expect Will Harris (or perhaps even Luke Gregerson) to get the opportunity if Giles needs a break.

Friday
1. Chris Devenski/Will Harris –If Giles pitches again Friday, he’ll definitely need Saturday off.
2. Matt Belisle — If Brandon Kintzler labors a bit on Friday, that’ll be two straight games with a high pitch count (24 pitches over 1.2 IP Thursday).
3. Adam Ottavino — Greg Holland hasn’t pitched in three straight games yet this season, but he’s had a light pitch count over two straight appearances (23 pitches) and would probably pitch Friday if needed. If that happens, he definitely won’t be available Saturday.
4. Drew Storen — Raisel Iglesias has appeared in two of the last three days, throwing 51 pitches (just 16 on Thursday after an off day Wednesday). He’s probably available Friday, and if he pitches, he’s definitely out of consideration for Saturday.

The Orioles might try a committee with Zach Britton out through July

May 11, 2017

Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles are preparing to be without Zach Britton through the All-Star break, but Brad Brach’s hold on the interim job is getting ever more tenuous. Even before last night’s demoralizing blown save, Buck Showalter was talking about using a committee of Brach, Darren O’Day, Mychal Givens, and lefthander Donnie Hart. We’ll believe that when we see it, but Brach owners should be concerned.

Hierarchy remains: Brach | O’Day | Givens.

Washington Nationals — Shawn Kelley threw a successful simulated game on Wednesday; both he and Koda Glover could be back with the Nationals by this weekend. Matt Albers pitched nicely in their stead today, striking out the side and earning the walk-off win.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Romero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants — The rule of Law has begun for the Giants, but Derek didn’t make it easy, giving back two runs from the team’s three-run lead. He probably won’t pitch on Thursday, so a Hunter Strickland appearance won’t mean anything has changed in the San Fran committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – Will Harris relieved Luke Gregerson in a tight eighth inning on Wednesday and appears to be ahead of Gregerson in the Houston hierarchy. Harris earned 12 saves for the Astros last season and has eight strikeouts over his last four appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Devenski | Harris.

Kansas City Royals — It’s been quite a while since we’ve talked about Kansas City, and Peter Moylan has had two five-run meltdowns to run his ERA to 7.62. The latest came last night in a blowout loss. Former first-round pick Mike Minor has been out of the league with injuries since 2014, but he seems to have hit his stride in relief, and could continue to get higher-leverage opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Soria | Minor.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Darren O’Day — Brad Brach has gone in three of the last four games.
2. Hunter Strickland — Derek Law has pitched in three out of four (71 pitches).
3. Jason Grilli — Both Roberto Osuna and Joe Smith have been used in three out of four.

Friday
1. Joe Smith — If Osuna does go Thursday, he’ll get Friday off.
2. Enny Romero — Matt Albers hasn’t thrown a lot of pitches, but he has thrown in three of four. Another appearance would probably require some rest.

Derek Law leads Giants committee; Justin Wilson to close in Detroit

May 10, 2017

San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon is headed to the 10-day disabled list with a right pronator strain in his forearm. After Tuesday’s game, manager Bruce Bochy said that he prefers Derek Law to head a committee and not Hunter Strickland, though it sounds like Strickland will get some looks given the committee tag. The two started out sharing duties when Santiago Casilla lost the job last fall and while Strickland has the better numbers as a whole, Law has been hot of late, not allowing a run in 6.2 IP. Josh Osich should get some more late-inning work also. As for Melancon, he is confident that his first DL stint will be a short one.

Updated hierarchy: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee

Detroit Tigers – Brad Ausmus announced before Tuesday’s game that Justin Wilson will take over the closer role for the Tigers going forward. Wilson, replacing a struggling Francisco Rodriguez, pitched a clean ninth after the Tigers offense erased a potential save situation in their half of the frame. Righty Alex Wilson should get the majority of 8th inning opportunities, which included last night’s victory. Shane Greene projects be the right-handed option ahead of the Wilsons and got two big outs Tuesday, while Blaine Hardy will mostly face lefties in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: J.Wilson | A.Wilson | Greene.

Washington Nationals — With the Nationals leading by two, Dusty Baker opted to use Enny Romero in the ninth instead of Matt Albers, saying after the game that he thought the Orioles due up hit righties better than lefties. That theory was debunked, as Romero blew the save in a game the Nationals lost in extra innings. Koda Glover is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment today and could come off the DL this weekend. Until then, expect Albers to get the bulk of the save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Romero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Joaquin Benoit – Hector Neris struggled through a 23-pitch outing on Tuesday.

Tomorrow
1. Felipe Rivero/Juan Nicasio – If Tony Watson labors on Wednesday, he may not pitch a third straight day.

Derek Law to lead committee with Mark Melancon sidelined

May 9, 2017

San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon is headed to the 10-day disabled list with a right pronator strain in his forearm. After Tuesday’s game, manager Bruce Bochy said that he prefers Derek Law to head a committee and not Hunter Strickland, though it sounds like Strickland will get some looks given the committee tag. The two started out sharing duties when Santiago Casilla lost the job last fall and while Strickland has the better numbers as a whole, Law has been hot of late, not allowing a run in 6.2 IP. Josh Osich should get some more late-inning work also.

Updated hierarchy: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee